Honoring Our Nurses: Monthlong Wellness Support and Appreciation
At the University of Washington, we are proud to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of our nurses across UW Medicine during Nurses Week—and all month long. As part of this year’s celebration, The Whole U is offering a series of wellness-focused resources and opportunities to support, uplift and thank you for the vital care you provide our community every day.
Throughout May, we invite all UW nurses to take advantage of the following offerings created with your well-being in mind.
Free Local Fitness Classes with our Nursing Class Pass
Stay active in a way that works for you. Through our partnership with local fitness studios and centers, UW nurses can access free in-person classes. Thank you to UW Recreation, Pranify Yoga, Row House SLU, TruFusion, Shefayoga and Chinese Wushu & Taichi Academy for participating!
View and download the pass here.
Questions? Reach out to each studio or The Whole U.
Share the Love: Printable and Digital Nurses Week Appreciation Cards
We’ve created custom appreciation cards to help you recognize the incredible nurses in your life. Whether you’re a colleague, leader or simply want to spread kindness, these cards can be printed or shared digitally via email. Print cards have 2 cards per page, simply cut down the dotted line and fold!
You’ll find variations for UW Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center and general UW Medicine. Looking to customize for your unit? Reach out to The Whole U!
Take a moment to lift someone up with a note of gratitude—it’s a small gesture that can make a big impact.
UW Medical Center – Montlake and Northwest
Harborview Medical Center
UW Medicine all
Let’s celebrate our nurses not just with words, but with heartfelt connection and appreciation.
Virtual card example
Virtual Yoga Just for UW
Unwind, stretch and reconnect with your breath in virtual yoga sessions exclusive to the UW community. These Zoom-based classes are open to all skill levels and class is structured with nurses in mind, offering a calming way to start or end your day. Consider joining before or after a shift, and drop in for as much time as you are able.
Classes will be recorded for those who cannot make it live and added to The Whole U YouTube.
Slow Flow with Pranify Yoga
All-Levels Flow with 8 Limbs Yoga
Mindfulness & Movement: Quick Practices for Nurses
We’ve created a custom handout with six guided practices—all under 10 minutes—that you can do wherever you are. These short, accessible options will help you reset and recharge during or after a shift.
Download the flyer with all sessions linked. Print and share in your breakroom or keep in your locker.
Meditation includes:
- Body Scan: Release tension and tune into the present moment with a gentle full-body scan and mindful breathing.
- Nature: Take a calming mental escape to nature and return refreshed, grounded and reconnected.
- Loving Kindness: Open your heart and cultivate compassion—for yourself and others—in just five peaceful minutes.
Movement includes:
- Strength Training: Energize your day with this brief full-body workout. Boost strength, flexibility and endurance.
- Stretching: Loosen up and improve mobility with quick stretches. Release tension and stay limber through the day.
- Anywhere Exercises: Refresh and recharge with this quick, low-impact session perfect for a midday movement boost.
More Wellness Resources Just for You
From mental health and resilience tools to financial well-being support, explore a wide range of resources on The Whole U website. You’ll also find recordings of previous well-being events, toolkits and self-care inspiration to help you feel your best—at work and beyond.
To Every Nurse at UW Medicine: Thank You!
Your dedication, compassion and expertise are deeply valued. We hope these offerings help support your well-being as much as you support the well-being of others.